2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 2-QB League: Round 8

Thomas set a career high with 77 receptions in 2013. (His previous career high was 50, 2011). Now that Darren Sproles is in Philadelphia, it seems likely that PT will at least finish with 70-plus receptions again with the upside for more. While he's better in PPR formats, he is still a flex, at least, in standard-scoring formats.

Only two other receivers had a line of at least 172/2,352/24 over the past two years (like Decker): (now former) teammate Demaryius Thomas (186/2,864/24) and Dez Bryant (185/2,615/25). That said, is there a bigger fantasy buzzkill than going from Peyton Manning and the high-powered Broncos offense to the Jets low-powered offense?

While their offensive woes last season were partly due to their lack of weapons, Decker enters a new role as a team's No. 1 wide receiver and will draw a more difficult assignment every week. On a positive note, though, he should see his targets increase.

In his first four seasons, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman had a total of 69 catches for 714 yards and four touchdowns. Exceeding those numbers last year alone, Edelman had 105 receptions, fourth-most in the NFL, for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. Over Edelman's final eight games counting both playoff games, he racked up a stat line of 69/729/5.

Assuming good health for the team's other pass catchers, it's unlikely Edelman reaches last year's numbers, but he remains Brady's clear No. 1 option after Gronk.

One season after rushing for 1,263 yards, seventh-most in 2012, and 12 touchdowns, Ridley fumbled his way to a reduced role within the Patriots backfield rotation in 2013. Even though LeGarrette Blount, who had eight TDs in his past three games, signed with the Steelers, it's hard to have a ton of confidence in predicting Ridley's workload in 2014.

Provided he doesn't drop the ball (literally), he at least has the talent as a runner to put up numbers like he had in 2012. Whether he gets that opportunity remains to be seen.

I can see the ultra-quick and ultra-productive Cooks, who has generated buzz from Saints reporters and players alike this offseason, finishing as the top rookie receiver in 2014. In addition to their eight home games, the Saints have a couple of road dome games (Atlanta and Detroit), where he could be especially dangerous.

The most complete rookie receiver in this year's draft class, Watkins has big-time speed, great hands and is a dangerous runner in the open field. While he should lead the Bills in targets and production, it's disappointing that he ends up in a cold-weather environment on a run-first team with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation. After all, it's already difficult for rookie receivers to make significant impacts in Year 1.

Going from a run-first offense in Seattle to Detroit's pass-first offense could lead to a significant boost in fantasy production for Tate. Without a strong (healthy) No. 2 receiver opposite Calvin Johnson for several seasons, Tate helps take some pressure off Megatron. But, of course, Megatron's presence on the other side will open things up more so for Tate, who should always see single coverage.

Tate set career highs in receptions (64) and yards (898) to go along with five touchdowns last season, but I would expect the 25-year-old receiver to set new career highs in 2014.

Much cheaper than last year, it's still not easy to feel confident in Richardson. Perhaps he outperforms this draft slot, but I'm comfortable with letting someone else roll the dice on him.

The excuse often cited for last year's lackluster performance was lack of familiarity with the offense. To a certain degree, I can buy that considering he was traded with the season already under way. With an entire offseason to learn the offense, however, it's been the same unproductive T-Rich so far in the preseason. Actually, he's averaging only 2.55 yards per carry (20 carries for 51 yards).

Miller disappointed his fantasy owners last year by rushing 177 times for 709 yards (only 4.01 YPC) and two touchdowns and adding 26 catches for 170 yards. One of the faster running backs in the league, Miller could deliver the breakout season many expected last year with an upgraded offensive line and new up-tempo offense.

Witten set seven-year lows in receptions (73) and yards (851) last season, but he finished with eight touchdowns, the second-highest total of his career. Two seasons ago, Witten set a single-season tight end record for receptions (110). In an offense that should be one of the league's best (unfortunately due in part to a defense that should be one of the league's worst), I see a bounce-back season for Witten in the range of 80-90 receptions and 900-975 yards.

Not only did Sanders sign a free-agent deal with the league's most-explosive offense, but he could see an even larger role (amount of targets) should Wes Welker miss time. In the team's third preseason game, Welker suffered another concussion — his third over the past 10 months or so.